Poland hosts training for Ukrainian legion recruits

Several dozen volunteer fighters, Ukrainian citizens living abroad, signed contracts with the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Lublin.

Among them are Ukrainians residing in the United States, Canada, Estonia, Norway, and Germany, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.

Oleh Kuts, Ukraine's Consul General in Lublin, said the signing of contracts by the third group of volunteer fighters demonstrates that "the project is operational, stable, and continues to generate significant interest."

"We are now receiving applications from women and young people. Interest is coming from all over the world, as this group includes Ukrainians from the U.S., Canada, Estonia, Norway, and Germany. The geographical reach is expanding, and we are moving in the right direction," the diplomat said.

He highlighted the importance of working with Polish partners to showcase the full cycle of the project -- from recruitment abroad to the deployment of volunteer fighters in combat units -- which would enable its expansion to other countries.

"We are interested in ensuring that volunteer fighters complete three training stages. Once this is achieved, we will be able to present the project to our foreign partners and extend it to other nations. This will speed up the process since logistics and geographical factors also take time," Kuts said.

He noted that the first group of volunteer fighters, who signed contracts with the Ukrainian Armed Forces in November 2024, are now in the second phase of training, undergoing specialized instruction in their chosen fields. The entire preparation process, from signing the contract to deployment on the front lines, takes several months.

Kuts also reported that over 1,500 applications had already been submitted for admission to the Ukrainian Legion.

Petro Harkusha, a representative of the recruitment center operating at the Ukrainian Consulate General in Lublin, emphasized the importance of the initial 45-day basic training in Poland. After completing this phase, each volunteer fighter either chooses a specialization independently or makes the decision in consultation with their commander.

"Young people are more inclined to become drone operators. Meanwhile, older individuals, particularly men with extensive driving experience, often choose roles as drivers for various types of military vehicles. Women typically opt for medical or communications-related positions," Harkusha said.

He expressed gratitude for the high level of expertise demonstrated by Polish military instructors and the well-equipped training facilities where candidates undergo preparation.

One of the volunteer fighters, 21-year-old Oleksandr from Kyiv, lived in Germany for three years working as an English-to-Ukrainian translator before signing his contract with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. When asked about his motivation, he stated, "I consider it my duty to defend my homeland, which has been attacked." He emphasized that his conviction in making the right decision outweighed any fear.

Oleksandr admitted that his family was not entirely supportive of his choice, but he is an adult and capable of making his own decisions. "My priority now is to complete basic military training. After that, I will determine my future role," he said.

The creation of the Ukrainian Legion was announced in early July when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk signed a security agreement in Warsaw. One of the agreement's provisions involves training Ukrainian military units in Poland.

Volunteer fighters of the Ukrainian Legion can sign contracts for one year, three years, or until the end of the designated special period. Once contracts with the Ukrainian Armed Forces are signed, service members undergo training at a military training ground near Lublin. NATO instructors conduct the training at a designated facility. Those requiring specialized training in specific fields can receive additional instruction at other locations.

Under a bilateral agreement, the Ukrainian side provides Legion volunteer fighters with military uniforms and medical supplies, while the Polish side supplies infrastructure, equipment, and weapons for the duration of training.

The first group of Ukrainian Legion volunteer fighters signed contracts with the Ukrainian Armed Forces in November 2024, followed by the second group in January 2025.